In past decades, being judgmental was often seen as a normal part of social interaction. Comments like "You look so fat these days" or "How much darker you've become" were considered casual conversation starters. Unfortunately, this normalization of judgmental behavior had unintended consequences, especially for younger generations who internalized these norms.
As these younger individuals grew up, they began to experience the same kind of judgment directed at them. This led to a realization that such comments were hurtful and not as harmless as they had once seemed. This change in perspective coincided with a broader recognition of mental health issues, which were once rarely discussed but are now more prevalent.
Today, there is a greater awareness that being judgmental is not normal or acceptable. People are starting to understand that it's not their place to make personal comments about others. Treating everyone with respect and dignity is now seen as crucial, not just for others' well-being but for our own as well. While it's heartening to see this shift in attitudes, there is still work to be done. So it got me thinking.
Where does this mentality of judgement come from? I guess it comes from a place of curiosity.
Being curious is intrinsic to human nature. When we're curious about others, we often want to understand them better, but if not managed carefully, this curiosity leads to making assumptions and judgments. So redirecting our conversations to the intended purpose would certainly help us veer from judgmental territory. For instance, instead of commenting on someone's weight, you could express genuine concern for their health by asking, "How is your health lately?" Similarly, instead of making a remark about someone's skin tone, you could inquire about their well-being with a question like, "How has your day been?"
By approaching conversations with curiosity rather than judgment, we can cultivate understanding and empathy. It allows us to connect with others on a deeper level and shows that we genuinely care about their experiences and feelings.
Having said all of this, I wonder sometimes, some things aren't any of our business in the first place, so let people be!
"When you judge others, you do not define them, you define yourself." - Earl Nightingale |
Join the Conversation: Share your thoughts on how curiosity can lead to judgment and ways we can channel it positively. Let's create a more understanding and empathetic world together!
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